August 15, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange was one of the players who "got the highest volume of targets from
Trevor Lawrence" during training camp practice on Friday, according to John Shipley of SI.com. Strange found the end zone and put forth an impressive display of consistency. However, Shipley also notes that it was a light day of practice, so fantasy managers should take it with a grain of salt. He flashed "serious speed to beat the secondary after the catch on an impressive deep throw from Lawrence during team drills." The 24-year-old caught his only target for 11 yards in the preseason opener last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With
Evan Engram out of town, has a real opportunity for a breakout season. Strange had a 40-411-2 line in 17 games (10 starts) in his second season in 2024. RotoBaller has him ranked as the TE21 for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: SI.com - John Shipley
August 15, 2025
The Tacoma News Tribune's Gregg Bell writes that Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III (foot) "seems like a prime candidate to be one of the few Seahawks starters who does not play Friday" in the team's second preseason game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker took art in a full-pads practice on Tuesday for the first time in more than a week and then rested on Wednesday. It's a routine that Walker has been going through the last couple weeks at training camp. It makes sense for Seattle to play it safe with the injury-prone Walker, who missed six of 17 games in 2024 an went on Injured Reserve in December with an ankle injury. He has yet to play a full season in his first three years with the Seahawks and could lose valuable backfield touches to
Zach Charbonnet in order to keep him healthy. RotoBaller has Walker ranked as the RB16 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
August 15, 2025
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Mike Tauchman (shoulder) is starting in right field and will bat seventh for Friday's series opener in Kansas City against the division-rival Royals and left-hander
Noah Cameron. Tauchman did not play in Wednesday's series finale due to soreness in his right shoulder, but he's back in there to begin the weekend after a day off on Thursday. Although the 34-year-old veteran has hit a decent .277 (66-for-238) on the season, those setting DFS lineups will probably want to avoid him against a left-handed hurler. Tauchman has never faced Cameron in his career and is batting .268 (11-for-41) with three of his eight home runs on the year against left-handers. He's really struggled to this point in August, going 8-for-38 (.205) with a homer, two RBI, three runs and a 10:9 BB:K in 11 games played.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
August 15, 2025
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Miami Heat traded forward
Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a protected 2026 second-round pick on Friday. Highsmith will get a fresh start in Brooklyn after he recovers from a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he suffered while training recently. He underwent surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks. The 28-year-old started in 42 games for the Heat throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, he wasn't a reliable contributor on the fantasy end overall, averaging 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 74 regular-season contests. Highsmith is considered questionable to open the season and will likely come off the bench for the Nets when he is available.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 15, 2025
The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that they reinstated rookie infielder
Chase Meidroth (thumb) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder
Jacob Amaya for assignment in a corresponding move. Meidroth will immediately return to the starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Royals and left-hander
Noah Cameron, as he's playing second base and batting in the eight-hole. The 24-year-old missed only 10 days due to a bruised thumb and should return to primary duties at the keystone for the Pale Hose. Outside of some modest speed (11 stolen bases), Meidroth hasn't done much for fantasy managers in his first 84 big-league games, slashing .252/.330/.319 with three home runs, 15 RBI and 36 runs scored in 349 plate appearances. He has never faced Cameron in his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: Chicago White Sox
August 15, 2025
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-handed pitching prospect
Chase Burns (elbow) could only spend a couple of weeks on the 15-day injured list in a "best-case" scenario. Burns could start throwing again later this week. The 22-year-old hard-throwing hurler was scheduled to come on in relief on Wednesday, but that plan was scrapped before the game when he reported significant shoulder stiffness. However, after an MRI exam, Reds doctors think that the rookie avoided a serious injury. Burns was officially diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow. There's no denying the strikeout upside -- he has 57 punchouts in his first 34 1/3 big-league innings -- but he's also gone 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 13 walks in his first eight starts with the Reds. It's great news that Burns avoided a major injury, but his workload will still be restricted to close out the 2025 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
August 15, 2025
On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Milwaukee Bucks signed free agent forward
Amir Coffey to a one-year contract. Coffey joins the Bucks after spending his first six NBA seasons in Los Angeles with the Clippers. In 2024-25, the 28-year-old appeared in 72 regular-season contests, posting averages of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during 24.3 minutes per game. He had been a helpful piece in the rotation for the Clippers most recently and could benefit from a fresh start in Milwaukee.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 15, 2025
Houston Astros closer
Josh Hader (shoulder) has a "left shoulder capsule strain," according to the team, and won't throw for "approximately three weeks." After that, Hader's next steps will be determined. The Astros placed the 31-year-old veteran southpaw on the 15-day injured list this week, but he won't be back when he's eligible to return and won't return to the big-league roster until September. In the meantime, right-hander
Bryan Abreu will serve as the club's primary ninth-inning option after picking up his first save of the season on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. Losing Hader for an extended period is a tough blow for the Astros' bullpen as they try to hold off the Seattle Mariners for the lead in the American League West division. Hader has been strong once again in 2025 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves and 76 K's in 52 2/3 innings pitched.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
August 15, 2025
Texas Rangers outfielder
Wyatt Langford (forearm) is starting in left field and will bat second in Friday's series opener against the hosting Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander
Chris Bassitt. Forearm tightness kept Langford out of the series finale on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he's ready to roll after a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of Florida is hitting .239/.325/.412 and has already matched his home run total (16) from his rookie campaign. He's added 48 RBI, 15 stolen bases and 49 runs scored in 100 games played. Langford is riding a modest four-game hitting streak and has gone 9-for-38 (.237) with a homer, two doubles and five RBI in 11 games so far in the month of August. He has faced Bassitt just twice in his career and has two hit and an RBI against him.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
August 15, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect
Jacob Misiorowski (leg) has been activated from the 15-day injured list and will make an abbreviated start in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Brewers put Misiorowski on the IL as a precaution earlier this month with a tibia contusion, but he'll rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation without making a minor-league rehab start. The hard-throwing 23-year-old will be on a pitch count on Friday, so he may not go deep enough to qualify for a win, but he should still be in consideration for starting fantasy lineups given how dominant he's been early in his career. In his first seven MLB starts, he has recorded a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 47 strikeouts and 14 walks in 33 1/3 innings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
August 15, 2025
Chicago Bears backup quarterback
Case Keenum (leg) injured his leg in training camp practice on Thursday and remained absent on Friday, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. It's unclear at this time what it means for the team's snap distribution at quarterback for Sunday's preseason tilt against the Buffalo Bills. The 37-year-old veteran may not play in the second preseason game this weekend, but it's not a long-term injury and shouldn't keep him from being ready to begin the 2025 regular season. Keenum has been competing this summer with
Tyson Bagent for the QB2 job in Chicago behind starter
Caleb Williams. If Keenum is held out on Sunday, it will allow
Austin Reed a chance for more reps. Keenum has played in only two games in three of the last four seasons with three different teams.
--Keith HernandezSource: Chicago Tribune - Dan Wiederer
August
15,
2025
Cleveland
Browns
quarterback
Joe
Flacco
has
officially
been
ruled
out
for
the
team's
second
preseason
contest
on
Saturday
against
the
Carolina
Panthers,
according
to
Browns
beat
writer
Noah
Monroe.
Flacco
and
Tylerread more...
August 15, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb (head) is expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers after taking the majority of first-team reps during a joint practice with the Panthers on Thursday, according to Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile,
Dameon Pierce is expected to be held out after resting on Thursday. The 29-year-old Chubb recently was in the league's concussion protocol but has since been cleared and will at least handle a few series in Saturday's game. Chubb returned from a gruesome knee injury in 2023 but did not look explosive at all last year in his final season with the Cleveland Browns. He looked more explosive on Thursday, though, and he could have a sizeable role to open his first year in Houston with Pierce if
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) isn't ready to play in Week 1.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Sam Warren
August 15, 2025
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they reinstated outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) from the 10-day injured list and outrighted catcher
Sandy Leon to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The Braves have yet to release their starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Cleveland against the Guardians, but we're fully expecting Acuna to be in it. The 27-year-old Venezuelan will return to a strong .306/.429/.577 slash line with a 1.005 OPS, 14 home runs, 26 RBI, 48 runs scored and four stolen bases. The former MVP hasn't run as much this year after coming back from his second torn ACL, but he's contributing everywhere else and will return to being a must-start in fantasy lineups. He struggled in July before getting hurt, though, going 17-for-77 (.221) with five home runs, four doubles, a triple, eight RBI and 16 runs scored in 21 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Atlanta Braves
August 15, 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers said that right-handed pitching prospect
Jacob Misiorowski (leg) will pitch Friday in either a shorter big-league outing against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds or in a minor-league rehab game, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Misiorowski traveled with the team to Cincinnati, so he's firmly in the mix to come off the 15-day injured list to start Friday's series opener at Great American Ball Park. The 23-year-old hard-throwing right-hander is one of the best young arms in baseball and has gone 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 47 strikeouts and 14 walks in 33 1/3 innings pitched over his first seven big-league starts. Although Miz would be in line for a shorter outing if he faces the Reds on Friday, his high-end strikeout upside would still make him a candidate for starting fantasy lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
August 15, 2025
Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to take on middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. Since signing with the promotion, the undefeated Chimaev has been on a tear, going 8-0 and going the distance only twice thus far. He was last seen in action in October at UFC 308, where he finished former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via first-round submission. DraftKings sees Chimaev as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman
Willson Contreras (foot) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting New York Yankees at Busch Stadium. Contreras was hit by a pitch on his foot on Tuesday and missed Wednesday's contest before having a scheduled day off on Thursday. It's merely a day-to-day injury for the 33-year-old former catcher, but he'll miss a second straight game.
Alec Burleson is starting at first base and is batting third against Yankees right-hander
Luis Gil. Contreras has gone hitless in each of his last three games and is batting .241 (7-for-29) for the month with two home runs, a double, four RBI and five runs scored in 10 games played. Check back on Saturday to see if he's ready to return to first-base duties. Burleson has never faced Gil in his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
August 15, 2025
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is scheduled for his third title defense against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. Du Plessis won the middleweight belt last year in January at UFC 297, where he defeated Sean Strickland via split decision. His first title defense was against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, and Du Plessis defeated Adesanya by submitting him in the fourth round. In his last bout in February at UFC 312, Du Plessis rematched Strickland and outclassed the former champion en route to a unanimous decision win. DraftKings sees Du Plessis as the underdog with a salary of $7,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
Aaron Pico is set to make his promotional debut against undefeated Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. After suffering a second-round knockout loss to Adam Borics back in July 2019 at Bellator 222, Pico switched up his game plan, stopped being reckless, and since then, he's gone 9-1 in his last 10 bouts, losing only to Jeremy Kennedy back in 2022 after suffering a shoulder injury. He was last seen in action in February 2024 at PFL vs. Bellator: Champs, where he finished Henry Corrales via first-round TKO. DraftKings sees Pico as a slight favorite with a salary of $8,200.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they sent left-hander
Wade Miley (elbow) on a minor-league rehab assignment to Double-A Chattanooga. Miley has made only three appearances (two starts) for the Reds in 2025 and has been out since late June due to a flexor tendon strain in his left arm. Because of his long layoff, the 38-year-old southpaw will likely require at least a few rehab starts in the minors, but barring a setback, he could be an option for the Reds' big-league starting rotation later this month. Rookie right-hander
Chase Burns (elbow) just went on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain of his own, but it remains to be seen if Cincy will have a starting spot for Miley available when he's ready. Fantasy-wise, Miley won't be an intriguing waiver-wire option in any league when he returns with a career 7.0 K/9.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cincinnati Reds
August
15,
2025
Chicago
Bears
rookie
wide
receiver
Luther
Burden
III
was
working
with
the
second-team
offense
during
11-on-11
drills
in
Friday's
training
camp
practice,
according
to
Greg
Braggs
Jr.
of
CHGO
Sports.
Burden
has
flashed
his
potential
read more...
August 15, 2025
Lerone Murphy will look to remain undefeated when he takes on Aaron Pico in the co-main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. Pico was initially set to face the undefeated Movsar Evloev, but Evloev was forced to pull out of the bout, so Murphy accepted the fight on short notice. In his last bout, Murphy defeated dangerous Josh Emmett via unanimous decision to extend his win streak to eight. DraftKings sees Murphy as a slight underdog with a salary of $8,000.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August
15,
2025
Buffalo
Bills
tight
end
Dalton
Kincaid
has
"been
a
steady
target
of
Josh
Allen's
throughout
training
camp,"
according
to
Alex
Brasky
of
SI.com.
That
carried
over
into
Friday's
joint
practice
with
read more...
August 15, 2025
Carlos Prates will look to bounce back in the win column when he faces off against Geoff Neal on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Prates last competed in April at UFC Kansas City, where he suffered his first defeat since joining the promotion. Prates was unusually tentative and would end up losing to Machado Garry via unanimous decision. Known for his devastating knockout power, Prates has won 16 times via knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Prates as the favorite with a salary of $9,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds have placed right-handed pitcher
Chase Burns (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 1 right flexor strain. The 22-year-old recently met with management to discuss a potential innings limit during the final weeks of the season. However, now with this injury, Burns could be in danger of missing the remainder of the campaign. He made his MLB debut on June 24 and has remained in the rotation since. Through his first 34 1/3 innings in the big leagues (eight starts), the former second overall pick from last year's draft has held a modest 5.24 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. However, he has flashed immense strikeout upside, racking up 57 over this stretch. While Burns is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect
Nick Martinez to remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future.
--Andy SmithSource: Cincinnati Reds
August 15, 2025
Geoff Neal will look to win back-to-back fights when he takes on Carlos Prates on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Neal was last seen in action back in October 2024 at UFC 308, where he defeated the former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos via first-round TKO. Before that, Neal was on a two-fight skid, having lost to Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. Known for his knockout power, Neal has 10 wins by knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Neal as a big underdog with a salary of $7,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars might hold rookie two-way star
Travis Hunter (upper body) out of their second preseason game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints as a precaution while he deals with an upper-body injury, according to head coach Liam Coen. Hunter didn't take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Friday due to his injury, per ESPN's Michael DiRocco. The 22-year-old second overall pick in this year's NFL draft doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, but we'll keep a close eye on his health heading into the final week of the preseason next week. He will be considered day-to-day for now. The Jaguars have every intention of playing Hunter on both sides of the ball in his first year in the NFL, which makes it hard to gauge the Heisman Trophy Winner's fantasy potential in Year 1. He has the upside to be the team's WR2 right away, but he still makes for a boom/bust WR3/flex target in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
August 15, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Jesus Made went 3-for-5 during their contest against High-A Great Lakes on Thursday evening. This outing extended his current hitting streak to an impressive six games. During this stretch, Made has posted a .458/.518/.708 line with an elite 1.227 OPS. Over these six games, the No. 7-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com has tallied one double, one triple, and one home run. Made spent the majority of the first half at the Low-A level and has only appeared in eight total games at High-A. During his first two games at the level, he tallied just one hit. Seeing him make a quick adjustment is excellent for his long-term outlook. He remains top stash in all dynasty leagues, even though he is several seasons away from his MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
August 15, 2025
Michael "Venom" Page will look to improve to 2-0 since moving up a weight class when he takes on former title challenger Jared Cannonier on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Page joined the UFC back in 2024, and since then, he's gone 2-1. In his last bout, Page made his middleweight debut in the UFC against Shara Magomedov, and Page had a masterful performance, beating previously undefeated Magomedov via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Page as the favorite with a salary of $8,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 15, 2025
Former title challenger Jared Cannonier is set to take on Michael "Venom" Page on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Cannonier was last seen in action in February at UFC Vegas 102, where he got back in the win column by defeating Gregory Rodrigues via fourth-round TKO. Prior to his bout with Rodrigues, Cannonier was on a two-fight skid. A win over Page would be another high-profile name to add to his resume and keep him in contention in the middleweight division. DraftKings sees Cannonier as the underdog with a salary of $7,500.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
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